Best Biology Colleges

If you're thinking about majoring in biology, you're in for an exciting journey. Whether you’re dreaming of studying sea life, diving into environmental science, or working in a research lab, a quality biological studies education can make a huge difference in your development as a biologist, as well as your career. But the question is: with so many schools offering biology programs, how do you know which school is going to give you the best education possible?

I've attended three different universities for programs in English, including technical writing and creative writing, so I know a thing or two about researching coursework that matches your interests and expectations. Let me share my tips with you on how to evaluate different college programs to find a good fit for you.

In this guide, we'll go over how to narrow down your options for biology, taking into account the following:

• Different concentrations within biology
• The top biology programs around the country
• Tips on how to figure out which school is best for you

The biological sciences field encompasses a wide range of subjects like molecular biology, marine biology, etc.—which I’ll go through it in depth throughout this article. Stick with me and learn about the world of biology and where you fit in it!

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Intro to Biological Sciences

Biological science is the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. Biological science encompasses everything from the small microorganisms to complex ecosystems. This field explores the processes that make up life, from the molecular level to organisms in their environment. Biological studies consist of learning fundamental principles that explain how living things function, evolve, and adapt.

 Overall, biology studies the processes that make life possible. For biology majors, this field of study opens doors to a range of careers, from healthcare and research to education and environmental conservation. Biology majors develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in all biological studies fields. 

Key Areas of Study:

• Zoology
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Ecology
• Anatomy
• Paleontology
• Botany
• Cell Biology
• Evolution
• Marine Biology
• Physiology
• Taxonomy
• Biochemistry

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Top Institutions for Biology and Sciences

Biology programs, in both private and liberal arts colleges, offer students a top education in science subjects that include mathematics and computer sciences. In fact, some of the most famous schools in the country rank highly every year for dominating biological studies. Let’s check them out!

Harvard University

• National Ranking: #1
• Overall Ranking Score: 98.4
• Location: Cambridge, MA

As the most prestigious school in the country, and #1 school for biology in the world, Harvard University offers a Bachelor of Liberal Arts, as well as graduate degrees programs for biology students. Their programs focus on the business, computer science, economics, international relations and psychology subject areas where students learn to develop communication skills and become experts in their respective fields. Harvard students can expect to receive a top education from world class educators.

Learn the differences between undergraduate and graduate.

Stanford University

• National Ranking: #2
• Overall Ranking Score: 96.8
• Location: Stanford, CA

Coming in at #2, Stanford University is among the top universities for biology, offering students a wide range of academic and research opportunities in fields like molecular biology and marine biology. Stanford students begin taking introductory courses, exploratory lab courses and a range of courses like chemistry, math, physics and statistics. Stanford offers a rigorous program where students are push to academic excellence.

Interested in sea life? Check out the best colleges for marine biology!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• National Ranking: #3
• Overall Ranking Score: 96.7
• Location: Cambridge, MA

MIT set the global standard for their commitment to rigorous academics and conducting research. MIT students can expect to study biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics by famous faculty members. The education provided at MIT has led graduates to pursue careers in medicine, law and business.

Yale University

• National Ranking: #4
• Overall Ranking Score: 95.4
• Location: New Haven, CT

Biology at Yale University studies life on all scales. From single cells to whole organisms, students at Yale explore these subject matters using modern day technology and innovative learning and teaching tactics. Yale University offers different programs across the university like, but not limited to, Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), Yale School of Medicine (YSM), and the West Campus (WC).

Princeton University

• National Ranking: #5
• Overall Ranking Score: 94.6
• Location: Princeton, New Jersey

Princeton University is known for their research interests in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, development, and cancer, as well as genetics, microbiology, virology and immunology. Princeton students get direct access to world-class leaders in their fields of biological studies, living up to their mission to “learn science by doing science.”

Johns Hopkins University

• National Ranking: #6
• Overall Ranking Score: 93.6
• Location: Baltimore, MD

The department of Biology at Johns Hopkins is home to 27 research laboratories that invest in a range of biological studies like molecular and cellular biology. The school offers Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). John Hopkins students can expect a rigorous academic schedule, as well as research opportunities that are key factors in choosing the best university for biology. Johns Hopkins University students get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, as well.

California Institute of Technology (CalTech)

• National Ranking: #7
• Overall Ranking Score: 91.9
• Location: Pasadena, CA

CalTech is a top-ranked institution for biological sciences, offering students a world-class education and research opportunities in fields like genetics and biochemistry. CalTech also offers graduate degree options for those looking to further their education. Students are exposed to lectures held by field experts, laboratories and research opportunities.

The University of California, Berkeley

• National Ranking: #8
• Overall Ranking Score: 86.7
• Location: Berkeley, CA

Though there is no formal “Department of Biology,” University of California, Berkeley campus offers a range of biology programs. Biological sciences are taught through several departments like Integrative Biology, Molecular & Cell Biology, and Plant & Microbial Biology, along with others. These departments offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as interdepartmental courses. 

The University of California, San Diego

• National Ranking: #9
• Overall Ranking Score: 85.5
• Location: San Diego, CA

The UC San Diego School of Biological Studies is another highly regarded institution, providing students with a comprehensive curriculum in biological sciences and access to cutting-edge technology and resources. The School of Biological Sciences offers hundreds of undergraduate courses like core, elective, lab, and research courses.

Cornell University

• National Ranking: #10
• Overall Ranking Score: 84.8
• Location: Ithica, NY

Coming in at #10, but not least, Cornell University is committed to being accessible to all students by providing a high level of support and guidance to all biological sciences majors. Cornell’s biology majors become experts and are trained to examine complex systems, as well as solve problems within their fields.

Honorable International Colleges

Calling all students interested in studying abroad: here are some international institutes that offer prestigious biology programs across seas!

• University of Cambridge – United Kingdom
• University of Oxford – United Kingdom
• Imperial College London – United Kingdom
• University College London – United Kingdom
• ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland

Academic excellence is worldwide. If you’re looking for an academic adventure, discover the best places to study abroad in 2025.

How Biology Colleges Are Ranked

Now, when it comes to evaluating these top biological science schools, there is a method to the madness. Let’s check out the different criteria used to rank these institutions:

• Academic Reputation: This is assessed through surveys of academics and employers, measuring the quality of the university's teaching and research.
• Research: Rankings often consider the number of publications and the impact of a university's research.
• Faculty-to-Student Ratio: A lower ratio is often an indicator that the school offers personalized attention to the students, which leads to a better quality of teaching.
• Subject-Specific Rankings: Some ranking systems, like U.S. News & World Report, assess each school by subject-specific criteria.
• Other Factors: Rankings may also consider factors like graduation rates, acceptance rates, student selectivity, test scores, financial resources available to students and quality of campus life.

So, remember, much like traditional ranking systems, the higher the school rank, the better the school!

Tips for Choosing the Right Biology Program

The admissions process for top biology colleges can be highly competitive, and choosing the right program can be tricky, especially when there are multiple contenders in your pool of schools. If you want to know which program is right for you, consider these factors:

• Research opportunities
• Financial aid options
• Laboratory and facilities
• Graduate school placement rates
• Location
• Campus culture
• Research opportunities
• Internship support
• Post-graduate employment support

I highly suggest visiting campuses to get a feel of what the school is like for yourself, as well! Talk to current students and faculty members for a better understanding of what to expect from their program.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Biology Colleges

What is the best college for biology majors?

Ultimately, the best college for biology will depend on the individual student’s needs and goals, however, you should consider factors focus on subject areas (i.e., mathematics, computer science, and ecology), research opportunities, and internships. When it comes to choosing the ideal institution for you, choose the program that provides you with a quality education, access to resources, and the support necessary to succeed in your chosen career path.

How are biology colleges ranked?

Biological science schools are ranked using criteria such as academic reputation, research impacts, faculty-to-student ratio, and subject-specific rankings, as well as other factors like graduation rates, acceptance rates, student selectivity, test scores, financial resources available to students, and quality of campus life.

Can I study biology abroad?

Yes! In fact, some of the top biological sciences programs are offered across in countries like China, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Some notable universities are University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London and ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. For the full list, refer back to the article above!

Access essential insights for biology majors in our blog to find practical tips and guidance to enhance your educational journey, as well as exclusive scholarships to apply for.